Power actuating mechanism for fabric presses



June 23, 1936. E DAVls 2,045,443

I POWER ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR FABRIC PRESSES Original Filed Jan. '20 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l 5/ 4- JG 6765 0 Q x L A TTORAN'L'YS June 23, 1936. E. DAVIS 2,045,443

POWER ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR FABRIC PRESbES Original Filed Jan. 20, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR E R N E ST D ATTORNEY S Patented June 23, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE POWER ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR- FABRIC PRESSES Ernest .Davis, Syracuse, N. Y., assignor to The Prosperity Company Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a

corporation of New York 30 Claims.

This invention relates to control mechanisms for power or motor driven mechanism for machines having an opening and closing movement as garment and laundry pressing machines or platen presses and has for its principal object, a positive or true two hand control mechanism whereby the operator can not permanently fasten 2g and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of an actuating mechanism embodying one form of my invenion. t

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view of one of the parts seen in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of one form of pressing machine provided with my invention.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the pressing machine showing the motor in section with the pis- 25 ton just below the port and showing the preferred location of the jaw or pressing element in preliminary or initial closed position.

An actuating mechanism for the press, to which the invention has been specifically applied in the 4') drawings, comprises a motor having a movable member, a controllingelement or control means normally in position to prevent the application of power to the motor or the energizing thereof, a manual for operating the controlling element,

means for holding the element in its operated position, said means being controlled by the movement of the movable member of the motor or being operated upon a predetermined extent of movement of the operating mechanism, a second controlling element or means normally in position to prevent the operation of the holding means or in position in which the motor means is unenergized to close the press to finally closed position, a manual for operating the second element out of its normal position and connections between the manuals whereby the operation of either from normal position or into operative position restores the other to its normal position if it is in operative position.

The actuatingmechanism further includes a pair of manuals of the first class, that is, manuals which normally prevent the effective application of motive power to the motor and both of which must be operable to permit the efiective application of motive power to the motor. A pair of manuals of the second class are also included, or manuals which control the effective operation of the holding means by the movable member of the motor, one manual of each pair being grouped to or with one manual of the'other pair. There are also interlocking connections by which the operation of one manual'of one group restores the manual of the other group to its initial position.

I have here shown my invention as applied to a conventional garment press including a press jaw or head I movable toward and from a stationary jaw or buck 2 suitably mounted on a bench or table 3 carried by a frame 4. The movable press jaw or head I is carried by a yoke lever 5 pivoted between its ends at 6 to the frame or a standard I rising therefrom.

The motor means is here shown as a pressure operated motor and preferably a single acting reciprocating motor comprising a cylinder 8 having 'a movable memberor piston 9 therein. A piston rod I0 is connected at H to motion transmitting mechanism which operatively connects said rod and the yoke lever 5.,

This motion transmitting mechanism as here shown includes an angle lever l2 pivoted at i3 to its angle to the frame, one arm being connected to the piston rod l0 and the other arm I 4 extending upwardly. A link i6 is pivoted at H to the arm M and at l8 to the rear arm of the yoke lever 5. The arm l4 and the link I! constitute a toggle. The motor means 8 with the motion transmitting mechanism, described above, yoke lever 5, the counterweight l9 and springs 20 all constitute operating mechanism for opening and closing the movable jaw or press. The operating mechanism therefore includes motor means for closing the press.

Obviously, upon downward movement of the piston 9,,the lever I! will be moved downwardly thus straightening the toggle links M and i1 and closing the press. c

The press is opened by a counterweight l9 and springs 20, 20. The machine to which this actuating mechanism may be applied may be of any suitable form, size and construction.

As the motor means is a pressure operated motor, the elements for controlling the flow of motive fluid to and from the cylinder are valves, the character of these controllers or control means being dependent upon the motive power. For instance, if the motive power is an electric current, the controllers would be switches, a normally closed valve being the equivalent of a normally open switch.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, the controller is a valve mechanism having a valve casing 2| which is connected by a pipe 22 to a suitable source of motive fluid as compressed air. A normally closed intake valve 23 and a normally open exhaust valve 24 are provided in the casing, these valves being connected by a stem 25 whereby they act as a unit. The valves or control means are held in their normal positions by a returning spring 26. The valve casing 2| is connected by a pipe 21 to an intake port 28 in the upper end of the cylinder 8, the pipe 21 serving as a combined intake and exhaust pipe. Obviously, when the valve 23 is opened and the valve 24 closed, the air will pass from the pipe 22 through the valve casing to the cylinder and when these valves are in their normal position, the air can exhaust through the pipe 21, casing 21 and out through the exhaust passage 23.

The means for holding the controller or the combined intake and exhaust valves 23 and 24 in manually operated position is controlled by the movable member of the motor and, in the illus- 'trated embodiment of this invention, is pressure operated. The holding means comprises a pressure or diaphragm chamber 29 having a diaphragm 38 therein which acts upon a sliding stem 3|. The sliding stem acts on onearm of a lever 32 pivoted between its ends and the other arm of the lever acts upon the stem 33 of the exhaust valve 24.

The diaphragm chamber 29 is connected in the feed pipe system in any suitable manner and the flow of air therethrough is preferably controlled by the movement of the piston. As a matter of convenience, the diaphragm chamber 29 is connected by pipes 34, 35 to a casing 38 mounted on the outside of the cylinder, which casing is in communication with a port 31 opening into the cylinder. The port 31 is located so as to be passed by the piston after the piston has been actuated far enough to bring the head I in a position opposed to the buck 2 but not pressing on the same. 3

Obviously, when the piston 8 passes the port 31, the air will pass through the port 31 and pipes 35, 34 to the diaphragm chamber. Assuming that a valve 38 connected to the pipe 34, and to be described hereinafter, is closed, the air entering the diaphragm chamber 29 will actuate the diaphragm 30 which moves the stem 3| against the lever 32 and thus holds the intake valve 23 open and the exhaust valve 24 closed. The port 31 with the movable piston constitutes a valve or valve means which connects the diaphragm chamber 29 with the motive power or air upon a predetermined extent of movement of the piston or of the operating mechanism of the machine. The diaphragm 30 with the valve means comprises means for holding the control element, represented by the valve unit 2|, in operated position upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member of the motor or of the operating mechanism of the machine.

In order to open the press and permit the valves 23 and 24 to return to their normal position, means is provided for releasing the pressure from the diaphragm chamber 29. The releasing means consists of a second control means such as a normally open exhaust valve 38 located in a casing 39 which is connected by a pipe 48 to the diaphragm chamber 29 or to the pipe 34 connected with the chamber. The valve 38 is opened and closed by a manual to be presently described.

The valve 38 forms another controller element or control means acting in combination with the element consisting of the valves 23, 24. The valve 38 also forms a controller element which prevents the actuation of the holding means represented by the diaphragm 38. Not only does the second control means or control valve 38 prevent the actuation of the holding means, but it also controls the actuation thereof since the holding means will not receive enough pressure to operate so long as the exhaust valve 38 is open.

It will be observed that so long as the valve or valves 38 are in initial or open position, heavy pressure cannot be applied to the press. The air will exhaust through the port 31 and valve 38 and prevent heavy pressure from being applied to the press elements or jaws l, 2. The port 31 may, of course, be located anywhere along the cylinder wall 8 so that the port may be so positioned that actual contact between the jaws or pressing elements I, 2 may be prevented until the valves 38 are closed, whereupon full pressure is applied. It is to be noted that this feature is a function or operation which is separate and distinct from the control of the press locking means or particularly the diaphragms 30, 60. In other words, the valves 38 with their manual means have a double purpose, each of which may be independent of the other. The second control means 38 therefore control a second step in the closing operation or movement of the operating mechanism or motor means, which second step may be the application of full pressure between the jaws, the locking of the press in closed position or both of these functions. The control of any other second step in the operation of a press is contemplated in which the manual means for each device controlling a respective step are connected together in a manner so that actuation of one manual means restores the other to its initial position. It

against the lever 32. The manual for operating the valve 38 to its motor energizing position is here shown as a lever 48 extending lengthwise of the valve casing 38 and pivoted at 48' to the stem of the valve 38. The lever 43 is movable into a straight line with the valve when the valve is closed and being guided in its movement by a-link 48 pivoted at 41 to the lever 49 and at 48 to the outside of the valve casing. The link 48 is movable into a straight line with the lever 43 when the valve 38 is closed and thus locking the lever in this position and hence, locking the valve 38 closed. The link 44 and its associated mechanism for holding the valve or control means 38 in motor energizing position, and the diaphragm a with its associated mechanism for holding the T5 Operation of the intake valve 23 to its open posi-.

tion and of the exhaust valve 51 to its closed position permits fluid pressure to flow to the motor 8. This fluid pressure propels the. piston 9 downwardly until the port 31 is opened. The piston 9, therefore, upon reaching the port 31, has closed the press to preliminary closed position. The port 31 may be located anywhere in the cylinder wall over a fairly wide range adjacent the end of the piston stroke. For instance, the port may be located so that when it is uncovered by the piston, the head may be spaced from the buck. Similarly, the port 31 may be located slightly lower down in the cylinder 8 so that when it is uncovered by the piston 9, the head is just,

short of contact with the buck. It is clear, therefore, that the port may be located in the cylinder wall adjacent to the end of the piston'stroke to obtain any desired position of the head I relatively to the buck 2. The piston, however, must move beyond the port, 31 in order to enter the second step of operation of the press to close the press to finally closed position and apply heavy pressure between the jaws. As long as the exhaust valve 38connected with the port 31 is open, the piston 9 is incapable of passing the port 31 since the air pressure is exhausted through the port 31, pipes 35, 34, 40 and exhaust valve38. The

piston 9, however, will not return to open position as long as the intake valve 23 is held open. In other words, the press remains in preliminary closed position as long as the intake valve 23 is held open and the exhaust valve 51 is held closed.

In order to close the press to finally closed position and apply heavy pressure between the pressing jaws, it is necessary to close the exhaust valve 38 and the corresponding exhaust valvein the valve casing 64. These exhaust valves, therefore, control the working fluid to the motor means 8 so that the motor means can apply heavy pressure between the jaws.

In order to compensate for any inequalities between the valve and its seat or between parts of the valve operating mechanism the link 46 is formed of two telescoping sections with a compression spring 49 resisting the telescoping movement.

' The-connections or motion transmitting means between the manuals, whereby the operation of one manual, from its normal position restores the other manual to its normal or initial position, comprises the part or lever 42 which is operated by the push button 4| and an arm 58 movable with the lever 45. The two parts 42 and 5|! extend into each others path or into each others operated position so that the movement of one manual to its operated position 'actuates the other manual back to its normal position. The arm 50 in the illustrated embodiment is a part of the manual 45 so that the operative position of each of the manuals or manual means 4|, 42 and 45 overlaps the operative position of the other. The manual means 4| and 45 with their interconnecting parts or connections form operator actuated means to actuate the first and second control means, whereby actuation of the first control means 23 to its position where it energizes the motor means 8 thereby moves the second control means 38 to its position in which the motor means is unenergized to close the press to finally closed position.

The operation of the control mechanism thus far described, disregarding for the time being the valve mechanism associated with the push button 5|, isas follows.

With the press open and the parts in the positions shown in Figure 1, depression of the push button 4| will close the exhaust valve 24 and open the intake valve 23 which permits air to .enter the cylinder 8 from the air supply pipe 22 through the valve casing 2|, pipe 21, and port 28 to actuate the piston 9 on' its out stroke. When the piston 9 uncovers the port 31, the air will pass through the port 31, pipe 35, pipe 34, pipe 40 and exhaust or pass out through the outlet passage 52 controlled by a normally open exhaust valve or controller 38. The piston 9 cannot pass beyond the port 31 farther than to open it because the air is exhausted through this port as soon as the piston uncovers it. The head I therefore cannot engage the buck but can only approach adjacent thereto or at most can engage the buck with light pressure only. The air will exhaust through the port 31, the speed at which it exhausts depending upon the size of the port 31. In order to completely close the head and apply pressure to the press jaws, the operator must operate the lever 45 by pulling it upwardly to close the valve 38 whereupon the pressure from the port 31 in the cylinder 8 will increase in the diaphragm chamber 29 to actuate the diaphragm 30 and hold the valves 23 and 24 in operated position. Actuation of the lever 45 to close the valve 38,- raises the arm 50 so that it engages and raises the lever 42 and restores the push button 4| to its normal. position. The diaphragm 30 holds the valves 23 and 24 in operated position even though the lever 50 has restored the push button 4| and lever 42 to inoperative position. It will be observed that the operative positions of the valve, actuating mechanisms, represented by the lever 42 and the arm 50, overlap and only one of the actuating mechanisms can remain in operative position. Because of this overlapping of operative positions of the actuating mechanism, it is impossible totie or fasten one or both of the manuals 4|, 45 in operated position and. operate the motor through a complete movement.

- To open the press, the operator may either again depress the button 4| and thus open the valve 38 by reason of the lever 42 engaging the arm or may push down on the lever 45. Operating the push button 4| will through the parts 42 and 50 have the efiect of pushing down on the lever 45. Only a momentary depression of the button 4| is necessary to open the presssince when the air is free to exhaust in the diaphragm chamber 29, the button 4| will be returned to its normal position by the return of the valves 2|, 24 to their normal position under influence of the air pressure and the spring 26.

The manuals 4| and 45 and the mechanism operated thereby are grouped together and mounted in a suitable housing 53 mounted on the frame of the machine in any suitable location. Manuals 4| and 45 are preferably grouped together so that they can be operated with one hand,

and a. pair of levers 45,-there being one push but- ,7

ton and one lever in each set.

5| designates the push button or the other pair. This push button 5| acts on a lever 54, and the movement of this lever 54 is transferred through a lever 55 to the stem 55 of a control valve 51. The control valve 51 is a normally open exhaust valve mounted in a casing 58 which is connected by a pipe 58 to the cylinder 8 or the pipe 21. The valve 51 is held in its operated position by 9. diaphragm 60 located within a diaphragm chamber 59 which diaphragm acts upon a sliding stem 5| coacting with the lever 55. The diaphragm chamber is connected by a pipe 52 to thepipe 35 and hence is connected to the port 31.

Obviously, if only the button 4| is depressed, the air passing through the pipe 21 will pass out through the pipe 58 and exhaust passage 53 controlled by the valve 51. Pressure will not build up in the cylinder 8 to actuate the piston 9 until both buttons 4| and 5| are depressed and held depressed until the piston 9 passes the port 31. Also, a control valve casing 54 having a controller or a normally open exhaust valve therein similar to the valve 38 and operated by a lever 55 similar to the lever 45 is associated with the valve mechanism operated by the push button 5|. The valve casing 54 is connected by a pipe 55 to the diaphragm chamber 58 or the pipe 52 leading to the chamber. The lever 55 also carries an arm, similar to the arm 50, which cooperates with the lever 54.

In operation, the operator must depress both push buttons 4| and 5| and hold them depressed until the piston 9 passes the port 31 and then must make another conscious efiort by operating both levers 45 and 55 to close their respective valves. The operation of these levers pushes both push buttons 4| and 5| out to their normal position through the arm 50 and its counterpart carried by the lever 55. The pushing down of either one of the levers 45, 55 or the momentary depression of either button 4|, 5| will open the valve connected with one of the diaphragm chambers and open the press. By reason of the interlocking mechanism between each push button 4| or 5| and its companion lever 45 or 55, the operator can not lock, tie or stick down one push button and operate the machine solely with the other in order to leave one hand free while the machine is closing. Each hand of the operator must be actuating a push button in order to close the press throughout the closing movement of the press.

The fundamental idea underlying this invention is that both push buttons or manuals 4|, 5| will always be returned during each operation to their initialposition and the machine can not be completely operated unless both are in their initial position and hence, the operator is compelled to use all manuals in order to close the press.-

What I claim is:

1. In a garment pressing machine, in combination, operating mechanism including a motor having a movable member; a first control valve means connected with the motor and having two valve means, a manual for each valve means, both of which must be operated to effectively supply motive fluid to the motor; a second control valve means normally in a position to exhaust the motive fluid from the motor, means connecting the second valve control means with the motor after a predetermined extent of movement of the motor member; and connecting means between the first control valve means and the second control valve means restoring the manuals for said first control valve means to initial position when said second control valve means are operated.

2. In a garment pressing machine, in combination, operating mechanism including a motor having a movable member; a first control valve means including two valve means connected with the motor and one of which is adapted to be con- 1, nected with a source" of motive power whereby both valve means must, be operated to efiectively supply motive fluid to the motor; a manual for each valve means,. means locking the operating mechanism in operated position, control valve means controlling the actuation of the locking means which valve means mustbe operated to lock the pressing machine in closed position; and connecting means between the manuals for the first control valve means and the second control 15 valve means having overlapping operative positions whereby operation of one control valve means restores the manuals for the first control valve means to inoperative position.

3. An actuating mechanism including a motor 0 having a movable member, means for controlling the effective application 01' motive power to the motor including a first controlling'element connected with the motor and adapted to be connected with a source of power, the control element I 25 being normally in position to prevent the flow of motive power to the motor, a second controllingv element normally in position to exhaust the motive power from the motor, means connecting the second controlling element with the motor upon a predetermined extent of movement or the movable member, manual means operable to move the first controlling element to a position permitting the flow of motive power to the motor, and second manual means operable to actuate the second controlling element and prevent the exhausting o! the motive power from the motor, the operative position of each manual means overlapping the motor including a first controlling element connected with the motor and adapted to beconnected with a source of power, the controlling element being normally in position to'prevent the flow of 1. tive power to the motor, means holding the first controlling element in operated position and operable upon a. predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a second controlling element normallyin position to exhaust the motive power from the motor, means connecting the second controlling element with the motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a first manual means operable to move the first controlling element to a position permitting the flow of motive power 60 to the motor, and a second manual means operable to actuate the second controlling element and prevent the exhausting of the motive power from the motor, the operative position of each manual means overlapping the operative position 65 of the other whereby the movement of one manual to operative position returns the other manual to its normal inoperative position.

5. An actuating mechanism including a motor having a movable member, means for controlling 70 the effective application of motive power to the motor including a first controlling element connected with the motor and adapted to be connected with a source of power, the control element being normally in position to prevent the 75 to move the first controlling element to a position permitting the fiow of motive power to the motor, second manual means operable to actuate the second controlling element and prevent the exhausting of the motive power from the motor, and connections between the manual means to transmit the motion of each manual means into operative position to the other whereby the operating movement of either manual means returns the other manual means toits inoperative position.

6. An actuating mechanism including a motor having a movable member, means for controlling the effective application of motive power to the motor including a first controlling element connected with the motor and adapted to be connected with a source of power, the control element being normally in position to prevent the fiow of motive power to the motor, means operable upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member of the motor to hold the controlling element in operated position, a second controlling element connected with the holding means and normally in position to prevent the actuation thereof, manual means operable to move the first controlling element to a position permitting the fiow of motive power to the motor, and second manual means operable to actuate the second controlling element and permit the actuation of the holding means, the operative position of each manual means overlapping the operative position of the other whereby the operating movement or one manual means returns the other manual means to its inoperative position.

7. An actuating mechanism including a motor having a movable member, means for controlling the effective application of motive power to the motor including a first controlling element connected with the motor and adapted to be conhected with a source of power, the c'ontroljelement being normally in position to prevent the flow of motive power to the motor, means operable upon a predetermined extentpf movement of the movable member of the motor to hold the controlling element in operated position, a second controlling element connected with the holding means and normally in position to prevent the actuation thereof, manual means operable to move the first controlling element to a position permitting the flow of motive power to the motor, second manual means operable to actuate the second controlling element and permit the actuation of the holding means, and connections be-' tween the manuals to transmit the motion of each manual means into operative position to the other whereby the operating movement of either manual means returns the other manual means to its inoperative position.

8. An actuating mechanism including a motor having a movable member, means for controlling the effective application of motive power to the motor including a first pair of spaced controlling elements connected with the motor, one of said position to prevent the fiow of motive power to the motor, a second controlling means connected with the motor upon a predetermined movement of the movable member and normally in position to exhaust the motive power from the motor, a pair of spaced manuals, each manual being operable to move one of the pair of controlling elements to a position permitting the flow of motive power to the motor, a second manual operable to move the second controlling means to prevent the exhausting of the motive power from the motor, and connections between the manuals to transmit the motion 01 one manual into operative position to the other whereby the operating movement of one manual to operative position returns the other manual to its normal position.

9. An actuating mechanism including a motor having a movable member, means for controlling the effective application of motive power to the motor including a first pair of controlling means connected with the motor, one of said controlling means being adapted to be connected with a source of power and normally in position to prevent the fiow of motive power to the motor, a second pair of controlling means normally in position to exhaust the motive power from the motor, means connecting the second pair of controlling elements with the motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a first pair of spaced manuals, each manual being operable to move one of the controlling means of the first pair to a position permitting the flow of motive power to the motor, a second pair of spaced manuals, each manual being operable to actuate one of the pair of second controlling means and prevent the exhausting of the motive power from the motor, each I means being adapted to be connected with a source of power and normally in position to prevent the flow of motive power to the motor,

means holding the pair of controlling means in operative position upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a second pair of controlling means normally in position to exhaust the motive power from the motor, means connecting the second pair of controlling means with the motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a first pair of spaced manuals, each manual being operable to move one of the controlling means of the first pair to a position permitting the flow of motize power to the motor, a second pair of spaced manuals, each manual being operable to actuate one of the pair of second controlling means and prevent the exhausting of the motive power from the motor, each of the pair oi'second spaced manuals being grouped with one of the first pair of spaced manuals, and connections between the adjacently grouped manuals to transmit the motion of one manual to operative position to the other whereby the operating movement of one manual returns the other manual to its normal position.

11. An actuating mechanism including a fluid operated motor having a movable member, means 15 for controlling the effective application of motive power to the motor including a first valve casing connected with the motor and adapted to be connected with a source of power, a normally closed inlet and a normally open exhaust valve within the casing, the valves being movable to operated position to close the exhaust valve and open the inlet valve, holding means operable upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member to hold the valves in operated position, a second valve casing, a valve therein normally in position to exhaust the motive power from the motor, means connecting the second valve casing with the motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a manual operable to move the valves in the first casing to operated position, and a second manual operable to actuate the valve in the second valve casing and prevent the exhausting of the motivepower from themotor, each manual upon movement into operative position engaging the other manual so that the motion of one manual into operative position is transmitted to the other and returns the other manual to its normal position.

12. An actuating mechanism including a fluid operated motor having a movable member, means for controlling the efiective application of motive power to the motor including a first valve casing connected with the motor and adapted to be connected with a source of power, a normally closed inlet and a normally open exhaust valve within the casing, the valves being movable into operated position to close the exhaust valve and open the inlet valve, holding means operable upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member to hold the valves in operated position, a second valve casing, a valve therein normally in a position to exhaust the motive-power from the motor, means connecting the-second valve casing with the motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the movable member, a manual operable to move the valves in the first casing to operated position, a second manual operable to actuate the valve in the second valve casing and prevent the exhausting of the motive power from the motor, and connections between the manuals to transmit the motion of one manual into operative position to r the other whereby the operating movement of one manual returns the other manual to its normal position.

13. A garment or ironing press comprising, operating mechanism including motor means to actuate the press, control means connected with the motor means and controlling the actuation thereof, manual means operatively connected with the control means, a second control means connected with the motor means and controlling a second step in its closing movement, manual means operatively connected with the second control means, and connecting means between the two manual means to return one of said manual means to initial position upon actuation of the other manual means.

14. A garment or ironing press comprising, operating mechanism including motor means to actuate the press, control means connected withv the motor means and controlling the actuation thereof, manual means operatively connected with the control means, a second control means connected with the motor means and controlling the application of heavy pressure by the motor means; manual means operatively connected with the second control means, and connecting means between the two manual means to return one of said manual means to initial position upon actuation of the other manual means.

15. A garment or ironing press 'comprising, operating mechanism including motor means to actuate the press, control means connected with the motor means and controlling the actuation thereof, manual means operatively connected with the control means, holding means retaining the press in closed position, a second control means controlling the actuation of the holding means and. the closing of the press to finally closed position, manual means operatively connected with the second control means, and connecting means between the two manual means to return one of said manual means to initial position upon actuation of the other manual means.

16. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable jaw including, a fluid motor, a first control valve means connected with the fluid means and movable to a position for energizing the same to close the press to preliminary closed position, a second control valve means movable to a position controlling the actuation of the fluid motor to finally closed position, means operatively connecting the second control valve means with the fluid motor upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof, and operator actuated means operatively connected with the first and second control valve means whereby actuation of the first control valve means to a position to energize the fluid motor thereby moves the second control valve means to its position in which the fluid motor is unenergized to close the press to finally closed position.

17. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable jaw including, motor means, a first control means connected with the motor means and movable to a position for energizing the same to close the press to preliminary closed position, a, second control means having a motor energizing position for controlling the actuation of the motor means to finally closed position, means operatively connecting the second control means with the motor means upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof, operator actuated means to actuate the first and second control means whereby actuation of the first control means to a position to energize the motor means thereby moves the second control means to its position in which the motor means is unenergized to close the press to finally closed position, and holding means operative upon actuation of the second control means to energizing position and. operatively connected with the first control means for retaining the same in its motor energizing position.

18. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable jaw including, motor means, a first control means connected with the motor means and movable to a position for energizing the same to close the press to preliminary closed position, a second control means having a motor energizing position for controlling the.

actuation of the motor means to finally closed position, means operatively connecting the second control means with the motor means upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof, op-

orator actuated means to actuate the first and 75 second control means whereby actuation of the first control means to a position to energize the motor means thereby moves the second control means to its position in which the motor means gizing the same to close the press to preliminary closed position, a second control means controlling the actuation of the motor means to finally closed position, means operatively connecting the second control means with the motor means upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof, operator actuated means to actuate the first and second control means whereby actuation of the first control means to a position to energize the motor means thereby moves the second control means to its position in which the motor means is unenergized to close the press to finally closed position, and holding means operative upon a predetermined extent of movement of the operating mechanism for retaining the first control means in its position energizing the motor means.

20. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable jaw including, motor means, a first control means connected with the motor means and movable to a position for energizing the same to close the press to preliminary closed position, a second control means controlling the actuation of the motor means to finally closed position, means operatively connecting the second control means with the motor means upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof,

' operator actuated means to actuate the first and second control means whereby actuation of the first control means to a position to energize the motor means thereby moves the second control means to its position to render the motor means inoperative to close the press to finally closed position, and holding means operative upon a predetermined extent of movement of the operatingmechanism and connected with the first and the second control means to retain the same in their motor energizing positions.

21. Agarment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable jaw including, motor means, a first control means connected with the motor means and movable to a position for energizing the same to close the press to preliminary closed position, a second control means normally in a position to deenergize the motor means and thereby controlling the actuation of the motor means to finally closed position, means operatively connecting the second control means with the motor means upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof, operator actuated means tothe second control means to motor energizing position for retaining the first and the second control means in their motor energizingpositions.

22. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other; operating mechanism therefore including, a motor means; control means connected with the motor means and c:n-, trolling the operation thereof, manual means operatively connected with the control means and returnable to initial position independently of the control means, holding means operatively connected with the control means to hold the latter in operated position and thereby'retain the motor means in operated position, means operable upon a predetermined extent of movement of the operating mechanism and connected with the holding means to operate the same, and means normally rendering the holding means inefiective and connected with the manual means, said means being operable to render the holding means effective and returning the manual means to initial position.

23. A garment or ironing press comprising, co-

operating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other; operating mechanism therefor including, a motor means; control means connected with the motor means and controlling the operation thereof, manual means operatively connected with the control means and returnable to initial position independently of the control means, pressure operated holding I means operatively connected with the control means to hold the latter in operated position and thereby-retain the motor means in operated position, means operable upon a predetermined extent of movement of the operating mechanism and connected with the holding means to operate the same, a normally open exhaust valve connected with the pressure operated holding means thereby rendering the holding means ineffective and connected with the manual means, said exhaust valve being operable to render the holding means. effective and returning the manual two-hand control means to operate the working fluid supply mechanisms; and means operated by actuation of one of the two-hand control means to restore the other two-hand control means to inoperative position.

25. In a garment or laundry pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing jaws one of which is movable with respect to the other; operating mechanism for the movable pressing jaw including motor means; mechanism to control the supply of working fiuid to the motor means for operating the same to bring the pressing jaws to preliminary closed position; mec anism to control the working fluid to the motor means to apply heavy pressure between the pressing jaws; operator actuated means to operate the working fluid supply mechanisms; and means operable upon actuation of either of said operator actuated means to reset the'other of said operator actuated means to inoperative position.

26. In a garment or laundry pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing jaws one of which is movable with respect to the other; operating mechanism for the movable pressing jaw including, motor means; mechanism to control the supply of working fluid to the motor means for operating the same to bring the pressing jaws to preliminary closed. position; mechanism to control the working fluid to the motor means to apply heavy pressure between the pressing jaws; two-hand control means for operating each of the working fluid supply control mechanisms; and means operable upon movement of either of the two-hand control means into operative position, by either hand of the operator, for restoring the corresponding part of the other two-hand control means to inoperative position.

27. A garment or laundry pressing machine including cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other, means for actuating the movable element including a fluid operated motor having a single cylinder with a single piston therein, and connections between the piston and the movable pressing element, conduits for the working fluid, operator-operated valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the motor to apply light pressure, additional operator-operated valve means for controlling the application of motive fluid to the motor to apply heavy pressure, and conduit connections by which the flow of motive fluid to effect heavy pressure is ineffective until the press has been closed under light pressure so that the valve means must be operated in sequence.

28. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, actuating means operatively connected with the movable pressing jaw to open and close the press, including motor means, the motor means having a cylinder and a movable member therein, a first control means connected with the motor means to control the initial closing of the press to preliminary closed position under low power, operatoroperated means operatively connected with the first control means to actuate the same, and a second control means connected with the motor means to control the actuation of the latter under high power to close the press to final closed position, including means to operate the secondcontrol means, and a port in a cylinder wall opened by the movable member upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof, for controlling the application of power to the motor means to close the press with high power.

29. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, actuating means operatively connected with the movable pressing jaw to open and close the press, including fluid motor means, fluid control means connected with the motor means to control the latter with a low power movement, fluid control means normally disconnected with the motor means to control the latter with a high power movement; two operator-operated means, one for each of the control means and connected with said control means to actuate the same; and means operable upon a predetermined extentoi movement of the actuating means for connecting the motor means with the control means for high power closing of the press.

30. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other, actuating means operatively connected with the movable pressing jaw to open and close the press including motor means, a first control means connected with the motor means to actuate the latter topreliminary closed position under low power, a second control means for controlling the actuation of the motor means to final closed position under high power and normally disconnected therefrom, operator-operated means connected with the first control means, means to operate the second control means, and means operable upon the motor means reaching preliminary closed position for operatively connecting the motor means with the second control means for final closing of the press with high power.

. ERNEST DAVIS. 

